Springfield College Holds 126th Commencement

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Tim Murphy, head football coach at Harvard
University, told Springfield College graduates to “work at something
that you love and makes you happy, for that is how to become
successful and live a rich life.” Murphy was the featured speaker at
the 126th undergraduate commencement ceremony at Springfield College.
The Wayland, Mass. resident addressed the graduates on the morning of
May 13 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

“Success is a skill and it can be learned by anyone,” said Murphy.
“But having the courage to see it through is the key. The formula for
success is simple but getting there is not.”

Springfield College presented an honorary doctor of humanics degrees
to Murphy, who earned a bachelor of science degree in 1978 and a
master of education the following year from Springfield College. He
was a four-year starter on Springfield’s football team.

“The goal is the easy part, the plan takes some time but it isn’t
terribly difficult,” added Murphy. “The hard part of becoming
successful is having the courage and conviction to see it through.”
The Thomas Stephenson Family Head Coach for Harvard Football, Murphy
has led the Harvard Crimson to 10 consecutive winning seasons. Known
by his peers as one of the game’s finest teachers and motivators, in
2012 Murphy is in his 19th year as Harvard’s head coach and serves as
president of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

During the ceremony, Sally Griggs, longtime community volunteer and
former chair and current member of the Springfield College Board of
Trustees, also received an honorary doctor of humanics degree.

The day before (Saturday, May 12), the College held its graduate
commencement ceremony on Naismith Green on campus. Charles H. Rucks,
of Springfield, a well-known community leader and executive director
of Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services was the graduate
commencement speaker. He also received an honorary doctoral degree.